Looking for a good, open ended space sim.

[Buccura]

I'm been having a bit of an itch for an open ended Space Combat sim recently, games such as Privateer or Freelancer (Both of which I have). Though, I'm looking for one that has high acclaim but also does not cost too much, but also does not have an incredibly deep learning curve. I don't mind depth at all, but at the same time I don't want to have to spend an hour learning basic flight controls or how to find missions.

Any suggestions?

Also, the games I have that fit this category are Wing Commander Privateer, Privateer 2, Freelancer, and Tachyon The Fringe.

 

[TheIronRuler]

You could always play EVE online, but that is more of a second job than a simulator.
The genre dowsn't have many titles.
Mass Effect doesn't count.

 

[Buccura]

You could always play EVE online, but that is more of a second job than a simulator.
The genre dowsn't have many titles.
Mass Effect doesn't count.

I agree, though funny enough it's playing through Mass Effect 2 that put me into the mood.

 

[airlife101]

You could always play EVE online, but that is more of a second job than a simulator.
The genre dowsn't have many titles.
Mass Effect doesn't count.

Was about to say EXACTLY the same comment. It does seem to consume one's personal/social life. Personally I prefer going down the pub; it's cheaper and one is less likely to waste away..

But heading back on topic, the X series [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_(game_series)] would be something I'd recommend. Takes some getting used to though, I never really got into it.

 

[kidigus]

I've barely scratched the surface of X3, but that had pretty damn good (if a bit hard to master) space combat.

 

[Singularly Datarific]

Escape Velocity Nova is a pretty good one. You tend to die a lot, but it's got a lot of options and a lot of guns. It is a bit old, however.
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/

 

[Buccura]

Escape Velocity Nova is a pretty good one. You tend to die a lot, but it's got a lot of options and a lot of guns. It is a bit old, however.
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/

I've played some EV before. It's not bad, though, I'm more looking to first person flight Sims. Plus 30 dollars is rather over priced for a game like this, in my opinion.

 

[Alex Cowan]

It's not really open-ended, but the X-Wing series has always, in my opinion, set the standard for space sims, especially X-Wing: Alliance (which, with the fan-made 3D models can hold its own graphically even now). If you want a decent story and a good challenge, go for this.

 

[Buccura]

It's not really open-ended, but the X-Wing series has always, in my opinion, set the standard for space sims, especially X-Wing: Alliance (which, with the fan-made 3D models can hold its own graphically even now). If you want a decent story and a good challenge, go for this.

I have the entirety of the X-Wing series, including Alliance as well as TIE Fighter. They are fantastic games

 

[Kailvin]

Vegastrike. Neat game and about as open ended as you get. http://vegastrike.sourceforge.net/

 

[Alex Cowan]

It's not really open-ended, but the X-Wing series has always, in my opinion, set the standard for space sims, especially X-Wing: Alliance (which, with the fan-made 3D models can hold its own graphically even now). If you want a decent story and a good challenge, go for this.

I have the entirety of the X-Wing series, including Alliance as well as TIE Fighter. They are fantastic games

Shameful confession: Never finished any of them :/ Then again, I was playing with a mouse-to-joystick emulator (because just buying a joystick would be too easy...), so the fact that turning accurately was damn near impossible may have added to the difficulty somewhat. Even then, they're still some of the best games I've played, possibly ever. Ah, for the days when Lucasarts could be industry leaders in something... (sighs nostalgically)

 

[Prince Regent]

and Tachyon The Fringe.

Ah well I was gonna suggest that one. I'm a huge Tachyon The Fringe fan.
But except from that game my knowlage of space sims is rather limited, so I'll just move along.

 

[AyreonMaiden]

Got an iProduct?

I've been playing a lot of Galaxy on Fire 2. It's really fun and, though not in first person, very pretty. It's jumpgate based, but this can be played on a handheld, so any complaints I have about that are overshadowed by the whole HOLY CRAP A SPACE SIM IN MY POCKET.

 

[Solstar100]

Dark Star One : Broken Alliance
Bought it recently for my XB360, Not fantastic, but definatly scratches the itch